Plans submitted to create Isle of Islay's first 'wild sauna' in shed

Plans for a ‘wild sauna’ on Islay have been lodged with council officers.

Katherine Skinner is seeking permission from Argyll and Bute Council for the conversion of the existing shed at Burnside Lodge, in Port Wemyss, to create the facility.

Wild saunas have grown in popularity in Scotland in recent years, being installed in many scenic locations, including Loch Lomond.

The council is expected to rule on the plans for the Shore Street premises by the middle of March, with the public now able to view the plans and submit feedback.

Ms Skinner said in a statement: “The proposal is to install a wild sauna similar to many which have opened along the east coast of Scotland, and which are now present on most of the Scottish islands, however not as yet on Islay.

“Saunas are widely recognised for their positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Research and public health bodies note a number of benefits including improvement of cardiovascular health, muscle recovery and pain relief, stress reduction and mental wellbeing and social and community wellbeing amongst others. This is backed up by the British Sauna Society of which I am a member.

“The Community Wellbeing Index which was developed using data from a range of sources including the Census, the Office of National Statistics and the NHS gives a measure of wellbeing at a community level.

“The communities closest to Port Wemyss, including Port Wemyss itself are considerable below the National average particularly in the ‘health’ and ‘leisure’ categories, something which a sauna may address.

“Islay Sauna will operate on a booking only basis. All bookings will be online to enable clients to access and read the relevant health and local information prior to booking.

“Expected opening hours will be (but not limited to) three days per week for six hours a day. These will usually be between 10am and 4pm however on some occasions earlier or later slots will be offered for special events.

“The sauna will also be available for private hire. Occupancy of the sauna will be limited to six persons per session. A draft risk assessment has been completed and will be revised should permission be granted.”

Ms Skinner added: “From my research into similar businesses, in some cases local objections have been raised on ‘decency’ grounds. To be clear, swimwear will be worn in the sauna at all times.”

To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 25/01882/PP.